New G-Wagen model discussion

[Gelände]

Hi, the brochure is now available http://www.mercedes-benzsa.co.za/mer...rices_2011.pdf

You can buy the service plan for R 23,750.00....

'Unusual' Standard equipment:
- Fuel filter with integrated water-separator
- Snorkel 'Air intake up to the vehicle roof, A-column right'

[Pete460332]

Thank goodness for the 12V electrical system being standard in the 300! What is "automatic day time driving lights"? The dual 12V/ 24V electrics is going to fool lots of autoelectricians

Peter

[Chris B]

It seems like the G300CDI make use of 3 batteries and the other 2 models only 1. Why will this be?

(sorry my knowledge of auto-electricity is minimal)

[190e]

...... What is "automatic day time driving lights"?...
Peter

My understanding is....It's a system where a vehicle is fitted with sensors that detect low ambient light (dark cloudy day, driving under a tunnel etc),the sensors then relay this info to the vehicle head lamps which then automatically switch on.

[munga]

It seems like the G300CDI make use of 3 batteries and the other 2 models only 1. Why will this be? (sorry my knowledge of auto-electricity is minimal)

I guess the 1 battery provides the 12v supply as normal and the other 2 provide the 24v supply i.e. connected in series.

My understanding is....It's a system where a vehicle is fitted with sensors that detect low ambient light (dark cloudy day, driving under a tunnel etc),the sensors then relay this info to the vehicle head lamps which then automatically switch on.

I think in this case the are always on when the engine is on to comply with new legislation coming into effect in Europe. Automatic means they come on when you start the car and they cannot be turned off unless you turn on the real lights.

[Pete460332]

My understanding is....It's a system where a vehicle is fitted with sensors that detect low ambient light (dark cloudy day, driving under a tunnel etc),the sensors then relay this info to the vehicle head lamps which then automatically switch on.

Are the day-time driving light any different to the "normal" night time driving lights?
Peter

[Gelände]

The G300CDI is equipped with a 24V starter motor, like Darcy said 2 of the batteries will be used in series to power that. I assume the 3rd one is the "house battery" for aux devices.

The higher voltage on the starter will also increase torque. Would be interesting to see how they charge them with a 14V alternator.

Another nice thing to note about the 24V aux power point is the fact that you (the manufacturer) can use thinner wiring due to lower losses (lower current) at higher voltages. Most fridges accept 24V in any way.

Peter, I assume the driving light will be similar to the LED crap you see on the new Audis, its main aim is to make you visible to other road users, not so much to light the way.

[Gerhard van Rooyen]

The G300CDI is equipped with a 24V starter motor, like Darcy said 2 of the batteries will be used in series to power that. I assume the 3rd one is the "house battery" for aux devices.

That is confusing Danie,

Usually duel battery systems have a mechanism/relay that prevents the aux power devices from using the battery that starts and operates the vehicle (especially modern ones with ecu's and the lot) -- so if the G needs 24v to start (and then to run all the other vehicle electronics) then there will be no 24v supply for aux, only 12v? -unless they worked out some electric trickery which i don't understand yet?

[Gelände]

Why they went 24V I don't know?, might be due to some Military equipment that requires 24V. I figure they just kept the design "as is".

There are both 12 and 24V aux power points in the G. See http://www.mb4x4.co.za/forum/content...Africa-in-2011

Like I said, in some cases supplying equipment with 24V is beneficial especially if the draw a lot of current. But I suspect the one 12V battery is isolated from the 24 bank.

Lets wait and see...when Michel gets his.

[Gerhard van Rooyen]